Rule Breakin’ and Paleo Almond-Butter Bars

I remember it like yesterday. I was 13 years old. I was told I couldn’t date until I was 16… but I was hoping my parents would make an exception, knowing how mature I was.

I was a freshman in high school.

I was a responsible child, a rule follower, helpful, hardworking… but when a junior boy asked me to go on a date, I didn’t have the head to tell him I wasn’t old enough.

We planned a date anyway.

The plan was to come over and have him meet my parents. Their plan was to have us stay in for the evening, so they never knew what hit them. My plan… I didn’t really have one calculated – but what seemed innocent in the beginning, quick morphed into one of the biggest act of disobedience I ever pulled on my parents.

Oh yes, I highly REGRETTED it later, and as mother, it horrifies me that I found this acceptable in any way…

I was young, impressionable, and clearly immature and impatient!

But after some chit-chat with my parents in the living room, we walk into the kitchen – and then… we just left.

Yep.

We just went on our date…

*gulp*

The boy didn’t even know that I couldn’t date.

He was pretty innocent in the matter. But he’d know later that night… because his father knew mine, and my Dad went looking for me – and straight to their house.

Unfortunately for my father, my date and I went to a movie in another town… and actually double-dated with another couple, who might have given me the idea just to “go anyway”. (very, bad, bad, advice from said “friend”)

We saw the movie Ghost. Oh… how I loved that movie… and the Righteous Brothers.

But OH… was I ever in BIG trouble when I got home.

I mean BIG. HUUUUUUUUUGE trouble.

I was certain my life was over. What was I thinking?? This was SO out of my character.

So there you have it, my biggest act of disobedience, as a freshman in high school, laid out on display.

I don’t know where that rule-following girl is that acted in such a way… but I know my parents did forgive me, and trusted me again. I’m sure I’ve made countless mistakes after that one – but it will go down on the “biggest stunt” I pulled learning quickly just who was in charge!

Now I keep my rule breaking to baking. It seems much safer – and is a better example to my children.

I try to follow recipes, honestly, I do… But cooking mostly grain-free for a family of 10 has its challenges. In my effort to switch our whole family to Paleo – I’m becoming more adventurous and making more changes. Fewer muffins, more “cakes in a pan” for breakfast. That’s where these Paleo Breakfast Almond Butter Bars came from.

Of course – yes, they have chocolate chips! The first time I made these, I didn’t really pay attention to what I was doing… so I tried to be more purposeful so I could actually SHARE the idea with you.

Breakfast Almond Butter Bars

* 4 eggs

* 4 T honey

* 1/2 t. baking soda

* 1 cup almond butter

*1/2 cup almond slivers

* 1 T cinnamon

* 2 and 1/4 cups almond flour or hazelnut flour

1/2 cup Enjoy Life Chocolate Chips

* coconut oil for greasing

Mix ingredients together well and spread into greased 9×13 glass dish. Bake for 15-17 minutes at 325 degrees. Top with almonds. Serves 10-12

Enjoy!

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”